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One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
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One Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and authentic Mexican spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this wholesome and colorful meal is cooked entirely in one pot, minimizing cleanup while delivering bold and satisfying flavors that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Protein

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Rice & Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) or tomato sauce

Liquids

  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and measure out your rice and spices. Having everything ready upfront speeds up the cooking process.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant. Next, add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
  3. Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the uncooked rice along with the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coating the rice with spices enhances its flavor as it cooks.
  4. Pour in Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Cook Until Rice is Tender: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is fully cooked.
  6. Finish with Fresh Flavors: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Add freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness and a fresh, tangy finish.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and bell peppers elevate the dish’s flavor far beyond dried or canned alternatives.
  • Do Not Stir Too Much: Stirring during cooking can release starch from the rice, making it gummy instead of fluffy.
  • Adjust Broth Quantity: Depending on your rice variety, you may need to tweak the amount of liquid slightly for perfect doneness.
  • Brown the Chicken Well: Proper browning locks in flavor and gives the dish depth.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit a few minutes off the heat helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken recipe, one pot chicken and rice, quick dinner, easy family meal, gluten free Mexican, stovetop chicken recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/one-pot-mexican-chicken-and-rice/